Head lice can usually be removed at home with either medicated lice products plus careful combing, or by repeated “wet combing” alone.
Step 1: Confirm it is head lice
- Look for tiny crawling insects on the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Nits (eggs) are white/yellow oval specks firmly stuck to hair close to the scalp and do not brush off like dandruff.
Step 2: Use lice medicine (common option)
- Buy an over‑the‑counter lice shampoo or lotion with permethrin or pyrethrins; use only as the package or doctor directs.
- Apply to dry or slightly damp hair, leave on for the recommended time, then rinse and use the provided fine‑tooth comb to remove dead lice and nits.
Step 3: Repeat and comb thoroughly
- Because many products do not kill all eggs, repeat the treatment 7–10 days after the first application to kill newly hatched lice.
- Between treatments, comb small sections of wet, conditioned hair from scalp to ends with a nit comb every 2–3 days for at least 2 weeks, wiping the comb on a tissue each pass.
Step 4: Environmental cleaning
- Wash pillowcases, hats, recently worn clothes, and bedding in hot water (at least about 54–55°C / 130°F) and dry on high heat; seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Soak brushes and combs in hot, soapy water for 5–10 minutes and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture where the person has rested; avoid insecticide sprays or “fogs.”
Step 5: When to see a doctor
- See a doctor if: lice persist after 2 properly done treatments, the scalp is very red/infected, the person is under 2 months old, or you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies to the products.
- A doctor can prescribe stronger options (for example, ivermectin or malathion lotions) if over‑the‑counter treatments and diligent combing fail.
If you say who has the lice (child, adult, pregnant, etc.), a more tailored step‑by‑step plan can be given.
